Common viral infections in transplant recipients, part 1. herpesviruses (continued)1

Herpesviruses are common opportunistic infections in transplant recipients. Recent diagnostic and therapeutic advances have improved the prognosis of these infections in transplant patients. Among these, the introduction of quantitative PCR and other molecular assays, dissemination of antiviral susceptibility tests, and upgrading of serologic tests represent the most significant diagnostic improvements in the last 10 years. The use of pre-emptive and prophylactic therapies, coupled with the availability of new oral antivirals, represents the most significant change in the treatment arena.